Abstract

Background: Asthma and anxiety often coexist, with each condition potentially exacerbating the other. Despite prior research globally, data specific to the UAE remain sparse. Objectives: This study aims to explore the relationship between anxiety and asthma severity among patients in medical hospitals across the UAE, shedding light on the mental health challenges faced by asthmatic individuals. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2021 and 2023 across major tertiary hospitals in the UAE. Ethical approval was obtained from the relevant UAE medical ethics committees. Data from 400 asthma patients aged 14 years and above were analyzed. Patients with undiagnosed respiratory symptoms were excluded. Information was collected on demographics, asthma severity, anxiety levels, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scores. Results: Among the study participants (n=185), 16.5% were professionally diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Patients with well-controlled asthma (61.3%) reported significantly lower anxiety levels. Conversely, uncontrolled asthma correlated with heightened anxiety (p=0.032). Females (62.1%) and younger patients (<30 years) exhibited higher anxiety scores compared to males and older individuals. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for integrated care addressing both asthma and mental health in UAE hospitals. Routine screening for anxiety among asthmatic patients is recommended to improve outcomes. Further research is essential to examine cultural and healthcare system influences on these findings.